Updated June 15, 2025
Ten years can feel like a lifetime regarding your dental health, and the thought of stepping into a dentist’s office after so long can feel overwhelming. You might worry about judgment or wonder if it’s too late to turn things around.
At Lucio H. Kim DDS, we want you to know that it’s never too late to take that first step. Our compassionate team is here to welcome you without judgment, guide you with care, and celebrate every milestone of your oral health journey. Together, we’ll help you rediscover a smile you’re proud to share.
We Understand Dental Anxiety
Dr. Lucio H. Kim, your experienced Glendale dentist, understands dental anxiety and takes special measures to ensure you feel comfortable about visiting the dentist again.
Being fearful of the dentist or feeling embarrassed because you haven’t sought treatment in years isn’t necessary with us, even if you have broken down or missing teeth. We will do whatever it takes to make you feel comfortable and work with you to restore your oral health.
Why Are Patients Scared to Go to the Dentist after 10 Years?
Dental anxiety in Glendale, CA, may have several culprits. Let’s examine some of the reasons you and many others may not want to go to the dentist:
- Dental anxiety due to a bad experience — Sometimes, a bad childhood experience can lead to anxiety in adulthood. This is unfortunate, and we always sympathize with you. However, our goal is to show you that dentistry doesn't have to be scary; it can be a stress-free and relaxing experience.
- Dental anxiety rooted in general anxiety — Anxiety disorders can manifest in several ways and even include anxious feelings about medical and dental care. Too often, anxiety prevents people from getting the treatments they need. We want to restore your confidence in dental treatment while we restore your smile’s health. Give us a chance to show you what gentle dental treatment looks like!
- Dental anxiety due to smile appearance — If you have not been to the dentist in ten years, you may have noticeable tooth stains, festering cavities, and even bleeding gums. In some cases, embarrassment prevents people from visiting the dentist. We don’t want these issues to influence your decision to seek treatment. Because our dentist specializes in dental phobia and fears, we have seen all types of problems, and our only focus is to help and restore!
- Dental anxiety due to the unknown — In some cases, fear of the treatment steps can leave you feeling anxious. Our dentist can help alleviate your anxiety and inform you about what to expect during your procedure.
If you’re feeling anxious or have a question during treatment, you can raise your hand, and your dentist or a member of our team can help you through.
A Compassionate Glendale Dentist Specializing in Dental Anxiety
Dr. Kim is a compassionate dentist who works with you to make your treatment as relaxing as possible. He doesn’t mind taking special measures to ease your worries and wants you to talk to him if you feel unsure.
And even though we are the gentlest dental team around, we offer sedation dentistry if you need a little extra reassurance.
Sedation Dentistry in Glendale, CA
In addition to specializing in dental anxiety, Dr. Kim also concentrates on eliminating pain through dental sedation.
Your options include oral or IV sedation. Sedation dentistry is ideal for patients with anxiety, but it is also helpful if you’re having multiple procedures done during a single visit. Numerous treatments may be necessary if you have not visited the dentist in several years.
Here’s what you can expect from these effective treatments:
- Oral sedation — For this type of sedation, you will take a prescribed pill about one hour before your arrival time. Someone will need to drive you to our office, but you’ll be relaxed and calm throughout your procedure. Even better, you may not remember your dental visit at all!
- IV sedation — For IV sedation, we’ll deliver medication intravenously, adjusting the dose to your specific level of anxiety. Again, depending on your level of sedation, you may not remember treatment at all.
With anxiety-free dentistry in Glendale, CA, you can expect a healthy, happy smile in no time!
What to Expect
If you haven't been to the dentist in 10 years, here’s what you can expect at our Glendale dental office:
A gentle, nonjudgmental, and understanding dental team eager to welcome you back to dental care, ease any pain, and restore your oral health.
We need a dental health assessment so we can discuss dental health conditions and potential treatments, reassure you, and answer your questions.
A complete checkup, cleaning, and helpful brushing and flossing tips and tricks will help you achieve the best oral health possible.
Restore Your Dental Health with Anxiety-Free Dentistry in Glendale, CA
Broken down teeth, missing teeth, dental infections, cavities, and gum disease can leave you in pain and even threaten your overall wellness. If you find yourself compensating with over-the-counter pain relievers, hiding your smile when you laugh, or if you just haven’t been to the dentist in a long time, let us help!
We are a destination dentist for patients with anxiety and are proud to welcome people from all locales, including our neighbors in Burbank and Pasadena.
Contact our compassionate dental team today to schedule an appointment with our gentle dentist. You can reach us at (818) 242-3739.